How does exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) at work influence preferences for how government should respond to the roll-out of this new technology? How do the impacts of such ‘pocketbook’ considerations compare to those of ‘sociotropic’ concerns about the influence of AI on the nation’s economy and labour market at-large or democracy itself? We use original, purposely-created survey data from two advanced democracies where traditions of government intervention in the economy are both stronger (Britain) and weaker (the United States) to test the potential determinants of preferences for the regulation of this new technology on both sides of the Atlantic. Our findings have implications for understanding the potential political ramifications of AI specifically, as well as, more generally, how personal and national considerations impact demand for government action in response to economic and social changes.